- increased cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East, leading to the introduction of new ideas, foods, and technologies into Europe;
- increased trade between Europe and the Middle East;
- the rise of the Knights Templar and other military orders;
- the weakening of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Turks;
- the division of Christianity between the Catholic and Orthodox churches;
- the growth of religious intolerance and anti-Semitism;
- the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the fighting.